Bush signs Thune bill on returning S.D. land

April 03, 2007

President Bush has signed into law a bill that will allow original owners to buy land they lost in South Dakota due to a federal project that never materialized. The new law is the Blunt Reservoir and Pierre Canal Land Conveyance Act of 2006, sponsored by Sen. John Thune, R-S.D. The act officially decommissions the Blunt Reservoir and Pierre Canal features of the Oahe Irrigation Project planned by the federal government under the Flood Control Act of 1944. The 190,000-acre project in central South Dakota was never completed. The act allows original landowners the option to buy the land they lost and will transfer some parcels of land to the state. Approximately 13,775 acres are available for purchase by original owners, and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks will regain 4,722 acres for public access and wildlife management. Thune has advocated for the legislation since 2002, according to a news release from his office. Reporter Russ Keen; (605) 622-2317 or 1-800-925-4100 ext. 317; rkeen@aberdeennews.com.